Religious Studies Department

Religious Studies India

Religious Studies Overview

Studying religions at Hartwick means big questions.

Religious Studies is not just for “religious” people. It is something that every student can embrace as a way to better understanding the diverse ways that human societies wrestle with the enduring questions of human existence – “Deep down, what is my identity?” “What is the good, and how can it be served?” “How can I be ethical in a complicated world?” “How do societies establish and preserve their sacred values?”

Our methods of study are diverse. We read sacred texts and learn strategies used to interpret those texts. We examine the physical and visual aspects of religion including ritual, art and architecture. We ponder the moral and ethical teachings of religions, especially as these compare to modern secular ethics. We explore the social aspects of religion including basic demographics, religious leadership and organization, as well as the influences religions have on other forms of culture including politics, science, technology, media and medicine.

Please note: Hartwick College focuses on offering fall, January, and spring term undergraduate courses in person, however circumstances may require us to offer a small number of courses in this department through distance education. In times of emergency, following regulatory guidelines, all classes may temporarily need to be delivered through distance education, including online. We also offer a slate of courses online in the summer to help our students make progress towards their degrees. With support from an academic advisor, students needing particular courses may have other online options as well. If you have questions about the way courses are delivered in your program, please contact your Department or Program Chair.

Exciting Student Outcomes

Hartwick religious studies students complete research and field experiences and are well-prepared for employment or graduate school.

Internships & Independent Study

Independent Study
New Skete Monastery, Cambridge NY
Willa Ness ’22

Graduate Programs

University of Edinburgh, Religious Studies
Kofi Akan Brown’ 21

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity
Foster Mann, ‘19

SUNY Binghamton Graduate School, Medieval Studies
Angela Vincent ’15

Cornell Public Affairs Graduate Program
Devin Martin ’14

Employment

Program Coordinator, Welcoming Alliance for Refugee Ministry
Foster Mann, ‘19

People Development Analyst
New York Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Gwen Bennis ’16

Lead Pastor of Skaneateles, NY United Methodist Church
Justin Hood ’13

Accounting Manager at PRCI – Pipeline Research Council International
Bethany (Lillie) Metzgar ‘11

Controller, Play VS
Joseph Gibson ’09

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Mercersburg Academy
Renata Williams ’05

Ready to be a Religious Studies Major or Minor?

Review all the requirements in the College Catalog.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSES

The department offers courses in three core subject areas: Monothestic Traditions, Asian Traditions, and Contemporary Western Religions.

Review the current course offerings in the College Catalog.

Special Opportunities

Our off-campus programs give students first hand experiences with religious groups and activities. Many of our students combine their interest in religious studies with other subjects to gain a well-rounded educational experience in the liberal arts, suited to almost any career path.

Meet Our Faculty

Lisle W. Dalton

Professor of Religious Studies and Department Chair, Coordinator of Public Health Program & Honors Program Co-Director
607-431-4936

J. Jeremy Wisnewski

Professor of Philosophy
607-431-4671

Still Have Questions?

Contact Dr. Lisle Dalton, Professor & Department Chair
daltonl@hartwick.edu